Patents by Inventor Gene A. Hofer

Gene A. Hofer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20060248767
    Abstract: An identification device that combines an antimicrobial coating with a printable substrate. For example, the invention includes a wristband with a face stock supporting indicia which are applied on (such as through thermal transfer printing) or through (such as through direct thermal printing) an antimicrobial layer. The antimicrobial layer is preferably a coating or varnish that is applied as the outermost layer and can bind with thermal transfer printing ink or supports pass through of direct thermal printing on a chemically receptive sublayer. The antimicrobial varnish includes varnish compounds and antimicrobial compounds such as a silver zeolite ion that is configured to react to moisture with a controlled release of microbial disinfectant. Preferably, the wristband is a hospital wristband bearing on-site printed identification indicia for a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Inventors: Gene Hofer, David Macedon
  • Patent number: 5364133
    Abstract: An identification bracelet formed from upper and lower layers of flexible material removably laminated with a selectively printed release layer and a pigmented adhesive. The lower layer has a plurality of die cut areas which can be removed to expose a portion of the adhesive, which is then overlapped with, and attached to the upper layer. The adhesive is applied over a selectively printed release layer so as to have areas of high adhesion and areas of low adhesion to the upper layer which separate differentially and form a "void" indication, for example, if the attached ends are separated after application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gene A. Hofer, Karen M. Longe